Curious about whether therapy or coaching is the best fit for you? In this insightful episode, life coach Michael Diiorio and therapist Michael Pezzullo team up to break down the unique benefits of each approach, guiding you through the key differences, overlaps, and the powerful results each modality can help you achieve. Both Michaels bring their unique expertise in helping gay men navigate life’s challenges and find personal growth, and they’re here to answer the big question: What’s right fo...
Dec 05, 2024•54 min•Ep. 216
On this week’s episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we're diving into how to build trust in relationships . Many gay men report having trust issues in their relationships due to growing up in a world that felt unsafe and unaccepting of our authentic selves If you struggle with trust issues in your relationships then this episode is a must. Come gain more clarity around any barriers you have to trusting people, as well as what may be required for you to build trust with someone. Also what you can do ...
Nov 28, 2024•45 min•Ep. 215
In this episode, we’re shifting the focus from red flags to the positive signs that show up when dating— green flags . Join us as we reveal the positive traits and behaviors that indicate someone would be a compatible long-term partner. We’ll discuss: What green flags we look for and why they matter The green flags that we bring to the table What green flags we see in each other How to tell if those green flags are genuine or just part of “the honeymoon phase” Whether you’re new to the dating ga...
Nov 21, 2024•51 min•Ep. 214
In this episode, we’re talking about those warning signs and signals to look out for in potential partners and how to manage these warning signs with care and confidence. We’ll reveal our red flags, both in others and in ourselves, and how we respond to them when they show up in our dating lives. Some of the topics we cover in this episode are: Common red flags to look out for and why they matter Red flags we might bring into dating and how they affect relationships Strategies for dealing with r...
Nov 14, 2024•52 min•Ep. 213
Are open relationships really about avoiding commitment, or is there more to the story? In today’s episode, Michael is joined by Dr. Israel Martinez to unpack the common misconceptions around consensual non-monogamy (CNM) and explore how commitment and connection can flourish in open relationships. We’ll be discussing: Common misconceptions about CNM and monogamy How to determine your ideal relationship style What is a relationship anchor and how to find it The role of trust, communication, and ...
Nov 07, 2024•44 min•Ep. 212
In today’s episode, we’re going deeper into the topic of resilience—what it really means and how we can develop it, especially as gay men and our unique challenges. We’ll explore how the struggles we face, from feeling out of place to dealing with minority stress, can become powerful tools for personal growth. Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about learning, adapting, and thriving in the face of adversity. Some of the topics we’re discussing today include: The difference between...
Oct 31, 2024•42 min•Ep. 211
In this episode, Matt and Reno come together for their first duo episode to talk about their experiences with depression. They share openly about what causes depression in their lives and what they have done to deal with it. If you are someone who struggles with depression, we want you to know you are not alone. It is so important to normalize conversations about aspects of mental health that are still stigmatized. We hope this episode leaves you feeling seen, and offers you some ways to support...
Oct 24, 2024•53 min•Ep. 210
Have you ever felt like you just don’t belong in the gay community? In today’s episode, we’re tackling the deep and painful feeling of not fitting in—a sentiment shared by many gay men. Some of the topics we’re exploring today are: How do we feel excluded vs. how do we feel included? Belonging vs. fitting in Vulnerability Judging others and ourselves Core wounding and attachment trauma Fear of rejection Fostering more inclusive spaces If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or if you want to help c...
Oct 17, 2024•45 min•Ep. 209
In honour of National Coming Out Day, we’re diving deep into a sentiment many gay men have struggled with at some point: "I wish I wasn’t gay." While this feeling may seem contradictory on a day meant to celebrate coming out, it’s a reality for many who grapple with their sexual orientation and the journey to self-acceptance. In this episode, we unpack the challenges of embracing your authentic self, including: How we came to accept our sexuality Would we change our sexuality if we could? Words ...
Oct 10, 2024•32 min•Ep. 208
In this episode, we welcome Somatic Intimacy Coach, Vance Hedman , for an insightful discussion on the importance of both mindset work and somatic body work when dealing with emotional pain and discomfort. We delve into how each approach can be uniquely beneficial in different scenarios, particularly when it comes to intimacy, building friendships, and deepening relationships. Some of the concepts we cover today are: How mindset work and body work are different and how they are similar How each ...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 207
In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper , we dive into the complexities of the inner critic—the voice in our heads that often feeds perfectionism, shame, and self-doubt. While it can feel like a harsh and relentless judge, the inner critic is actually trying to protect you in its own way. We explore how to better understand this part of ourselves, offering strategies for befriending the inner critic and cultivating a mindset of self-compassion. Some of the topics covered today are: How the inner...
Sep 26, 2024•43 min•Ep. 206
Today we’re tackling the universal struggle of comparing ourselves to others. Whether it’s about body image, social status, or relationships, comparison can have a negative impact on our mental health, leading to a cycle of insecurity and self-doubt. In this episode, we’re looking at how to break the cycle and actually re-frame it for your personal development. Join us as we dive into how to compare consciously and mindfully, transforming it into a tool that actually serves you instead of tearin...
Sep 19, 2024•43 min•Ep. 205
In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper , we explore the complex nature of making friends within the gay community. There’s a fine line between sexual or romantic connections and platonic friendships, and those lines can blur quite easily. Some of the topics we’ll cover include: Blurred lines between friends and friends with benefits Advice and tips on platonic friendships How to expand your friendship circle Keeping an open mind when meeting people Having honest conversations Join us as we delv...
Sep 12, 2024•40 min•Ep. 204
In this episode, we are talking about the unique challenges and pressures that we face in social settings within our own community. The Gay Men’s Brotherhood is dedicated to helping gay men connect and build more authentic and meaningful relationships, but this is particularly challenging for those who feel anxious in groups of gay men. We'll share our personal experiences and the coping strategies we've developed to manage and overcome social anxiety. Topics discussed today are: Types and level...
Sep 05, 2024•50 min•Ep. 203
In this insightful episode, we turn our focus to the often unspoken challenges that come with being a gay man. The reality for many queer folks is that our lives are met with unique hurdles that impact our mental, emotional, and social well-being. Through candid discussions and personal experiences, we are looking at these challenges from the gay male perspective. Some of the topics we’ll be covering are: Learning to hide who you are Social discrimination External and internalized homophobia Dea...
Aug 29, 2024•59 min•Ep. 202
In this episode, Matt speaks with Counsellor Ken Reid about attachment styles in dating and relationships. Together they unpack how attachment styles can impact whether or not we choose to be in monogamous or non monogamous relationships. They explore the impact of trauma on the development of insecure attachment styles, and what we can do to heal if we find ourselves anxious or avoidant in our relationships. The concepts and questions we explore in this episode are: What is an attachment style?...
Aug 22, 2024•57 min•Ep. 201
Join us for a very special milestone as "Gay Men Going Deeper" celebrates our 200th episode! In this celebratory episode, we're raising our voices and our spirits high as we discuss what it truly means to embrace our gayness. From the early days of fear and isolation to the empowering present, we're sharing why we love being gay and how we got here. We’re sharing personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections that highlight the evolution of our relationship with our gayness. Some of the topics we’...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 200
From coming out in high school in Brooklyn in the 80’’s, to moving to California, to leaving college and moving into hypnotherapy, and finally landing in the world of embodiment and somatics sexual therapy, and becoming a facilitator at The Body Electric School; JoJo’s resume reads more like a permission slip. The theme of todays episode is very much that: permission. Permission to be sexual, permission to be messy, permission to be shameless, and permission to be you, and permission to be you. ...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 199
How can you tell if someone is gay? It’s an age-old mystery that often turns into a discussion about “gaydar” – the ability to perceive or intuit someone's sexual orientation. In this episode, we are unraveling the intricacies of this phenomenon in how we navigate the subtle cues and signals that hint at our ‘gayness’. Some of the topics we’re covering today are: The science behind gaydar Criteria we use to detect someone’s sexual orientation Unconscious bias Code switching (adjusting your behav...
Aug 01, 2024•57 min•Ep. 198
Living a life guided and powered by creativity and “Spirit” is a liberating journey, not for the faint of heart. It leads us into freedom and liberation, but not before inviting us to reconcile with some of our most significant attachments and greatest fears. Today, we are joined by heARTist, creator, activist, poet, author, and shaman, Keone Wales , in a dynamic conversation around inspiration, death, queerness, creativity and more. You might call this a unique conversation in that it unfolds i...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 197
In a world where swiping on apps and instant gratification dominates, is there still room for the timeless art of courtship? Join us on this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper as we explore the concept of courtship in the digital age. Some of the topics we’re covering in this episode include: How traditional courting differs from modern dating How old school practices can still be relevant in the digital age Navigating the complexities of dating apps The lost art of building intimacy How our approa...
Jul 18, 2024•51 min•Ep. 196
In this powerful episode, we address a topic that affects many but is often shrouded in silence and stigma: sexual abuse. Joining us for this important conversation is Michael Pezzullo , a seasoned therapist who works with trauma and sexual abuse recovery. Together, we explore the impact that sexual abuse can have on one's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Some of the topics covered in this episode are: Ways in which abuse can occur in childhood and/or adulthood Setting and maintaining...
Jul 11, 2024•42 min•Ep. 195
First dates can be exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and everything in between. But fear not! On this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper , we're here to guide you through having a successful first date. Join us as we share expert tips, personal stories, and practical advice for making a lasting impression and setting the stage for a potential connection. Some of the topics we’re covering in this episode: What exactly makes a first date ‘successful’ What to talk about on a first date Techniques for acti...
Jul 04, 2024•58 min•Ep. 194
In this episode, Matt speaks with Psychotherapist, Nyle Biondi , about anger and how important it is to connect with and release anger from our mind and body. Anger can serve a great purpose if we consciously work with it. It can help us step into our power, and be a messenger of unmet needs or crossed boundaries. Many of us have social conditioning that tells us anger is inappropriate, or perhaps you were even shamed for being angry. Connecting with your anger in a healthy way might just be wha...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 193
Today, we are unpacking a seldom-discussed, but deeply relevant issue within the gay community: Fear of Intimacy. Many men grapple with the challenge of opening up emotionally and forging meaningful connections. Often, we find ourselves settling for superficial encounters while yearning for something more meaningful. Today we’re discussing how the same emotional walls that protect us from getting hurt can also leave us feeling isolated and lonely. In this episode, we are going deeper into the fe...
Jun 20, 2024•57 min•Ep. 192
In this informative episode, anal health expert, Dr. Evan Goldstein, addresses common questions and concerns about anal sex. If you've ever wondered about issues like hemorrhoids, fissures, or general rectal health, this is the perfect opportunity to get expert advice. Taking care of your anal health is fundamental to feeling sexy in your body and showing up confidently in your relationships. Unfortunately, there are plenty of misconceptions and taboos surrounding butt health that hinder open di...
Jun 13, 2024•59 min•Ep. 191
One of the greatest fears that holds us back in love and in life is the fear of rejection. In this episode, we are acknowledging the daunting prospect of putting ourselves out there, whether it be romantically, sexually, or professionally. We dissect the psychology of rejection as it pertains to our past traumas, beliefs, and inner narratives. Some of the topics we cover in this episode are: The need for belonging and connection Being pursued versus pursuing The narratives we construct around re...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 190
In this episode, Matt speaks with Reunion Founder, Brad Wells , and Psychotherapist/ Ayahuasquero, Alex Theberge , about healing with plant medicine (psychedelics). We unpack the benefits of psychedelics and how plants can be used to heal many common issues where traditional psychotherapy might not be as effective. Psychedelics are becoming more mainstream and their powerful healing benefits are becoming more known. Come on this journey with us and see if psychedelics may benefit your healing jo...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 189
In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we delve into the complexities of authenticity in the digital age. From Instagram to OnlyFans, we are living in an increasingly performative world where authenticity seems harder to discern. Today we are going deeper behind the blurred lines between being fake and putting your best self forward. We’ll be discussing the nuances of genuine self-expression versus performative behavior with personal examples and anecdotes to illustrate. Some of the topics we’...
May 23, 2024•55 min•Ep. 188
Join us for a compelling panel discussion as we spotlight the experiences of Asian gay men with our diverse panel of guests. Against the backdrop of intersectionality, our panelists share their personal journeys, confronting stereotypes, and navigating the complexities of race, sexuality, and culture. The sacrifices we make to feel included Discrimination in dating Common stereotypes and microaggressions Fetishization Challenges of visibility Media representation: then and now Code-switching The...
May 16, 2024•58 min•Ep. 187
